(Djibouti) – Over 150 participants from IGAD member states, including representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, and NGOs, will gather in Djibouti next week for the 2nd Knowledge Share Fair on the Blue Economy.
The fair, scheduled for November 26 to 28, will focus on advancing the Blue Economy in the Horn of Africa, with the theme “Investing in Blue Economy for Regional Integration.” It aligns with the IGAD Blue Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (BESIP), which was adopted by all IGAD Member State ministers in charge of Blue Economy in April 2022.
The event will bring together over 150 participants from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region, including representatives from both government and private sectors, international organizations, and NGOs. It will be a crucial platform for promoting inclusive and sustainable development of the Blue Economy, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation and integration.
The Blue Economy strategy focuses on harnessing the marine and aquatic resources in the region to support socio-economic growth, food security, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability. By promoting responsible use of water bodies, the strategy aims to maintain healthy ecosystems while creating opportunities for growth and development across the region.
A key feature of the fair will be exhibitions showcasing the results of regional projects and the dissemination of knowledge products. These sessions will address various aspects of the Blue Economy, such as biodiversity, blue tourism, financing, and the effects of climate change. Participants will also engage in field visits to better understand the impact and opportunities within the sector.
IGAD expects the fair to serve as a knowledge-sharing platform that will inform future actions on Blue Economy development. A report will be compiled from the discussions and exchanges, serving as a reference document to guide future policies and economic initiatives.
This event also supports Africa’s broader Blue Economy ambitions. The African Union has identified the Blue Economy as a key priority to achieve a prosperous and sustainable future under the Africa Union Agenda 2063. The African Blue Economy Strategy focuses on sustainable development, and the vision is for a Blue Economy that contributes significantly to the continent’s growth.
With the financial backing of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), IGAD developed its five-year Blue Economy strategy (2021–2025). The strategy is designed to promote an inclusive and sustainable Blue Economy that drives transformation in the Horn of Africa.
IGAD members include Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and Eritrea.
Summary of Key Event Details
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 26-28, 2024 |
| Location | Djibouti |
| Theme | Investing in Blue Economy for Regional Integration |
| Organizers | IGAD, with support from SIDA and Djibouti Government |
| Key Topics | Biodiversity, Blue Tourism, Financing Blue Economy, Climate Change |
| Participating Countries | Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, South Sudan, Eritrea |